republicans in congress more than president obama on budget issues, on the economy, on health care, on the deficit. that's very specific and has an impact on next year's elections. >> tonight, chris will afford us all the opportunity to watch the president of the united states. >> "hardball" is kicking you know what? it's kicking it old school, man. remember we used to watch "who wants to be a millionaire" and regis had to be on every night. chris was on at 2:00 and 3:00, 12 times a day. he's on 7:00 now. boom. the number one show. >> more popular than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. >> you embarrass me, joe. >> not so easily embarrassed, chris. i assure our audience. >> i think it's interesting, joe. you ask the greatest question tonight. you know the business. i don't usually need them. i enjoy just duking it out with politicians at a distance. i don't need to beg them to come on my show. i always thought, i see the president pop up on different kind of show, entertainment shows like letterman and leno and i'm thinking why can't we get them. they made some decisions in the white house and ma